I have make a shortlist of the applicants that I feel are good and should be called for interview.
I marked them based on 5 components. The first 3 are based on their answers to the question that we gave.
Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program? Maximum mark 2.5
What qualities and skills do you think you can bring to the program? What do you hope to gain? Maximum Mark 2.5
What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context). Maximum Mark 2.5
The fourth one is based on their CV – the quality and relevance of their extracurricular activities. Maximum Mark is 2.
The fifth one is just a bonus 0.5 mark based on their tone as they write their answers. If I sense their enthusiasm, sincerity and friendliness, I award them a bonus of 0.5 mark.
The list of applicants with their answers are posted here:
1.Hosni Zafrullah
Male (I assume)
Sri Lankan But has lived in Hongkong and Singapore
Civil Engineering
Year 4
Hopes to move and work in country Victoria
1. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
Being was born and raised in Asia's world city (Hong Kong), I was exposed to the hustles and bustles of fast moving efficient environments. I also went to high school in Sri Lanka which was a totally different transition giving me perspective into different styles of living arrangements in urban areas.
I came to Melbourne in 2008, after having completed high school and work experience for 6 months (in Hong Kong). This broaden my perspective as in my eyes even the city in Melbourne was not a city by the standards I was used to seeing (Hong Kong, Singapore etc). I live in Dandenong, which makes my journey to Uni 3 hours everyday and I continue to do so because I love the balance between an urban and yet relaxed nature friendly spacious environment.
I hope to move and work in Country Victoria one day. It would be a great opportunity to visit such area and experience their way of life.
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
Despite my upbringing I tend to rural rural and spacious environments. I believe my passion, love and appreciation of nature and rural Australia (from what little I have experienced) is my greatest asset.
Other skills that I can bring are:
Experience of living and working with different cultures and people.
The ability to appreciate the differences and the achievements of rural Australia.
The ability to engage in outdoor activities, actively participate and bring diversity to the group.
I would also like to gain a strong insight into rural Australia and it's people as well as any associated indigenous history.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context).
a) Working together with people of different backgrounds always involve building bridges.
b) The discomforts and the non pampering of rural Australia.
c) Transitioning from the relatively faster to a much slower and relaxed way of life.
d) Understanding flora and fauna and showing respect to the natural environment.
e) Learning about the social ethics, leisure activities, educational facilities and work of rural Australians 2.0 + 2.5 +2.5 +2.0 + 0.5 = 9.5
2. Valerie Hill
Female
UK Exchange Student
Arts (Literature)
Year 2
Wants to see Aussie countryside
1. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program? As an exchange student from the UK, I came to Melbourne with the hope of developing my understanding of Australian culture and enhancing my cultural awareness of Australian life. I feel that the City-Country Exchange Program is a wonderful opportunity that would allow me to do just this. Rather than limiting my outlook to just an urban perspective, I would be able to acquire an extensive and well-rounded perspective of Australia by viewing a rural perspective of Australian life.
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain? I believe I would be able to fully embrace the experience of staying in a new and exciting environment, as I am open-minded, enthusiastic and always ready for new experiences. I also work well as part of a team, and I feel it is important to develop as a group by supporting one another whilst developing as an individual. I also enjoy meeting new people and learning about others’ cultures. Ultimately, I hope that I will be able to gain diverse perspective of Australia, make new friends and experience a real country lifestyle.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context). I think that it may be challenging to stay in a more remote and rural environment, where transport and amenities may not be readily available. Additionally, it could be difficult to learn as part of team of unfamiliar people, and it could be a challenge to become aware of one another’s varied perspective of rural or urban life. However, although these are challenges I may face, I believe that they are challenges that I will enjoy and learn from, and therefore thoroughly welcome.
1.5 + 2.5+2.5+2+0.5 =9.0
4. Guy Wallace
Male
Australian - Queensland
Arts (Postgrad)
Wants to move to the country as he graduates as a town planner
1. I would greatly appreciate participating in the City-Country Exchange Program as I would like to relocate to the country once I graduate as a town planner.
2. I will bring an eagerness to learn and help within a team to the Loddon Valley. I hope to gain an understanding of rural Victoria, given I am from Queensland.
3. I suspect the greatest challenge I encounter will be the rural setting. Despite becoming disillusioned with a city the size of Melbourne and wishing to go rural, it will be interesting to see if the grass is truly greener on the other side!
Please find attached my CV and feel free to contact me on 0407 636 765 or via reply to this email.
2.0+2.0+2.0+0.5+0.5 = 7.0 5. Silvia Wan
Female
Australian with possible Chinese ancestry ( I assume)
Science
Year 1
Want to appreciate the differences in life
1. Why do you wish to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
I would like to broaden my horizons and meet people who live differently
so I can appreciate what daily life is like for them and how it differs
from mine.
2. What qualities do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
I am an enthusiastic, passionate and reliable person who can communicate
constructively and effectively. Also, I am not afraid of rolling up my
sleeves and pitching in, giving a hand to anyone who needs it. From this
experience, I hope to not only gain a better understanding of different
cultures, but also more confidence so I can get out, explore, make new
friends and understand the world.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter?
There may be people who have trouble performing tasks or may not adjust
well to a new environment and the appropriate thing to do is to be a good
friend and support them.
It may also be difficult to communicate effectively due to clashes in
cultures, beliefs and values and the ideal way to resolve that would be to
sit down and explore each other’s way of life.
1.5 + 2 + 2+1+0.5 = 7.0
6. ZjingZhu
Female/Male??
Chinese
Engineering
Year 4
Wants to understand country Victoria in terms of lifestyle and culture, get new experiences
. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
-I hope to gain a more complete understanding of the country lifestyle and culture; gain experience in a broad range of fields; learn and develop new skills; brilliant way to get new life experiences; meeting a diverse range of people; gain motivation and sense of achievement. And further more have an enjoyable three days break=).
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
-In the past, I had joined various volunteering programs. For instance, tree planting at Growling Frog Golf Course, weed removal at Pinkerton Forest and Kinglake bushfire recovery project etc. These experiences offered the opportunity for me to be involved in social work, interacting with different members of the community and gaining new skills. I believe my active participation in voluntary work is driven by a strong sense of compassion and civic responsibilities and this is why the city/country exchange program is of great interest to me.
-As an international student travelled across many countries, I had developed exceptional capability in communicating and liaising with others, especially with people from difference background and culture.
-All of the above-mentioned qualities indicate that I will effectively work in a team environment to actively promote the University of Melbourne and take part in the growing partnership between the University and Loddon Shire.
-I hope to gain a more complete understanding of the country lifestyle and culture; gain experience in a broad range of fields; learn and develop new skills; brilliant way to get new life experiences; meeting a diverse range of people; gain motivation and sense of achievement.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context).
- Potential challenges are: undeveloped communication and transportation system; shops and markets are not readily accessible; lack of entertainment facilities etc. These shouldn’t cause any concern for me as I am extremely adaptive and in fact very excited about the opportunity to enjoy fresh, cool air and behold the beautiful landscapes in Country Victoria.
The above are my answers for the questions. Thanks for your patience. Hope to see you soon.
Jingzhu
2.5+2.0+1.5+1.0+0.5
7.5=
7.Nicole Wong
Female
Malaysian
Science (Microbiology)
Year 1
Want to gain a new perspective on Australia
Shy girl - I thought it would be nice to have a mix
1. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
The main reason I want to participate is to take the opportunity to travel with other like-minded students. As an international student, I wish to see the sights and sounds of different cultures in Australia and this trip would be the best opportunity to do so as I get to chat with locals as well.
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
I am an easy-going, friendly and creative person. Though I may come across as quiet, I am outgoing and enthusiastic.
I hope to develop my interpersonal skills by communicating with others as I am shy by nature. I also hope to gain a new perspective on Australia in different settings as I have never been out of the city.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter?
I am shy by nature and find it hard making friends with strangers in a short time. I think I may find it hard to adjust to the rural setting as I was born and raised a city girl but I believe the time spent there would be rewarding and worth the "No Facebook" for a few days!
1.5+1.5+1.5+1.5+0.5
6.5=
8. Wen Xin Lim
Female/Male??
Malaysian
Commerce
Year 3
Wants to understand country Victoria, get new experience
1. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
Among all the 60 unread notices on student portal, two words caught my attention. City-Country, which promises a visit or a chance to travel outside Melbourne City; and Exchange, which promises knowledge transfer, experience sharing and meeting new amazing people.
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
My personal experience. I was unsure about joining university due to the huge financial burden expected to pass onto my family (not to mention the recent strengthening of AUD), but I was persuaded. I refused to be restricted by future career options. Fortunately, I came to realise that tertiary education is the only way out.
I am comfortable speaking both in public and in front of a large crowd. I joined Toastmasters International at college and was awarded Competent Communicator. With this, I can help facilitate group conversations and Q&A sessions during the school visit.
Coming from a relaxed rural town in Malaysia, I moved to the every-busy capital (Kuala Lumpur) when I was 7. 10 years later, I came to Australia, a country dominated by Westerners. I traveled to Sweden on a semester-long exchange last year. This winter, I was in Vietnam with another 19 students from UMelb BCom, all selected to participate in the Global Consulting Project. I adapt fast to local environment and I blend in well.
I am a very outgoing girl, and I generally bring laughter to everywhere I go. I love traveling and I love meeting new people. If given a chance to participate, I hope to understand more about Loddon Shire and the "Australian" way in general.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context).
Even after being here in Melbourne for 3 years, as an international student, I believe that with my current knowledge and exposure of Australian life style, I will encounter a slight culture shock.
Attached is my resume for your reference. Thank you for finishing my application.
All Participants N-Z plus numbers! (Vio).
Hi Team,
I have make a shortlist of the applicants that I feel are good and should be called for interview.
I marked them based on 5 components. The first 3 are based on their answers to the question that we gave.
The fourth one is based on their CV – the quality and relevance of their extracurricular activities. Maximum Mark is 2.
The fifth one is just a bonus 0.5 mark based on their tone as they write their answers. If I sense their enthusiasm, sincerity and friendliness, I award them a bonus of 0.5 mark.
The list of applicants with their answers are posted here:
1.Hosni Zafrullah
Male (I assume)
Sri Lankan But has lived in Hongkong and Singapore
Civil Engineering
Year 4
Hopes to move and work in country Victoria
1. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
Being was born and raised in Asia's world city (Hong Kong), I was exposed to the hustles and bustles of fast moving efficient environments. I also went to high school in Sri Lanka which was a totally different transition giving me perspective into different styles of living arrangements in urban areas.
I came to Melbourne in 2008, after having completed high school and work experience for 6 months (in Hong Kong). This broaden my perspective as in my eyes even the city in Melbourne was not a city by the standards I was used to seeing (Hong Kong, Singapore etc). I live in Dandenong, which makes my journey to Uni 3 hours everyday and I continue to do so because I love the balance between an urban and yet relaxed nature friendly spacious environment.
I hope to move and work in Country Victoria one day. It would be a great opportunity to visit such area and experience their way of life.
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
Despite my upbringing I tend to rural rural and spacious environments. I believe my passion, love and appreciation of nature and rural Australia (from what little I have experienced) is my greatest asset.
Other skills that I can bring are:
Experience of living and working with different cultures and people.
The ability to appreciate the differences and the achievements of rural Australia.
The ability to engage in outdoor activities, actively participate and bring diversity to the group.
I would also like to gain a strong insight into rural Australia and it's people as well as any associated indigenous history.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context).
a) Working together with people of different backgrounds always involve building bridges.
b) The discomforts and the non pampering of rural Australia.
c) Transitioning from the relatively faster to a much slower and relaxed way of life.
d) Understanding flora and fauna and showing respect to the natural environment.
e) Learning about the social ethics, leisure activities, educational facilities and work of rural Australians
2.0 + 2.5 +2.5 +2.0 + 0.5 = 9.5
2. Valerie Hill
Female
UK Exchange Student
Arts (Literature)
Year 2
Wants to see Aussie countryside
1. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
As an exchange student from the UK, I came to Melbourne with the hope of developing my understanding of Australian culture and enhancing my cultural awareness of Australian life. I feel that the City-Country Exchange Program is a wonderful opportunity that would allow me to do just this. Rather than limiting my outlook to just an urban perspective, I would be able to acquire an extensive and well-rounded perspective of Australia by viewing a rural perspective of Australian life.
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
I believe I would be able to fully embrace the experience of staying in a new and exciting environment, as I am open-minded, enthusiastic and always ready for new experiences. I also work well as part of a team, and I feel it is important to develop as a group by supporting one another whilst developing as an individual. I also enjoy meeting new people and learning about others’ cultures. Ultimately, I hope that I will be able to gain diverse perspective of Australia, make new friends and experience a real country lifestyle.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context).
I think that it may be challenging to stay in a more remote and rural environment, where transport and amenities may not be readily available. Additionally, it could be difficult to learn as part of team of unfamiliar people, and it could be a challenge to become aware of one another’s varied perspective of rural or urban life. However, although these are challenges I may face, I believe that they are challenges that I will enjoy and learn from, and therefore thoroughly welcome.
1.5 + 2.5+2.5+2+0.5 = 9.0
4. Guy Wallace
Male
Australian - Queensland
Arts (Postgrad)
Wants to move to the country as he graduates as a town planner
1. I would greatly appreciate participating in the City-Country Exchange Program as I would like to relocate to the country once I graduate as a town planner.
2. I will bring an eagerness to learn and help within a team to the Loddon Valley. I hope to gain an understanding of rural Victoria, given I am from Queensland.
3. I suspect the greatest challenge I encounter will be the rural setting. Despite becoming disillusioned with a city the size of Melbourne and wishing to go rural, it will be interesting to see if the grass is truly greener on the other side!
Please find attached my CV and feel free to contact me on 0407 636 765 or via reply to this email.
2.0+2.0+2.0+0.5+0.5 = 7.0
5. Silvia Wan
Female
Australian with possible Chinese ancestry ( I assume)
Science
Year 1
Want to appreciate the differences in life
1. Why do you wish to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
I would like to broaden my horizons and meet people who live differently
so I can appreciate what daily life is like for them and how it differs
from mine.
2. What qualities do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
I am an enthusiastic, passionate and reliable person who can communicate
constructively and effectively. Also, I am not afraid of rolling up my
sleeves and pitching in, giving a hand to anyone who needs it. From this
experience, I hope to not only gain a better understanding of different
cultures, but also more confidence so I can get out, explore, make new
friends and understand the world.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter?
There may be people who have trouble performing tasks or may not adjust
well to a new environment and the appropriate thing to do is to be a good
friend and support them.
It may also be difficult to communicate effectively due to clashes in
cultures, beliefs and values and the ideal way to resolve that would be to
sit down and explore each other’s way of life.
1.5 + 2 + 2+1+0.5 = 7.0
6. ZjingZhu
Female/Male??Chinese
Engineering
Year 4
Wants to understand country Victoria in terms of lifestyle and culture, get new experiences
. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
-I hope to gain a more complete understanding of the country lifestyle and culture; gain experience in a broad range of fields; learn and develop new skills; brilliant way to get new life experiences; meeting a diverse range of people; gain motivation and sense of achievement. And further more have an enjoyable three days break=).
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
-In the past, I had joined various volunteering programs. For instance, tree planting at Growling Frog Golf Course, weed removal at Pinkerton Forest and Kinglake bushfire recovery project etc. These experiences offered the opportunity for me to be involved in social work, interacting with different members of the community and gaining new skills. I believe my active participation in voluntary work is driven by a strong sense of compassion and civic responsibilities and this is why the city/country exchange program is of great interest to me.
-As an international student travelled across many countries, I had developed exceptional capability in communicating and liaising with others, especially with people from difference background and culture.
-All of the above-mentioned qualities indicate that I will effectively work in a team environment to actively promote the University of Melbourne and take part in the growing partnership between the University and Loddon Shire.
-I hope to gain a more complete understanding of the country lifestyle and culture; gain experience in a broad range of fields; learn and develop new skills; brilliant way to get new life experiences; meeting a diverse range of people; gain motivation and sense of achievement.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context).
- Potential challenges are: undeveloped communication and transportation system; shops and markets are not readily accessible; lack of entertainment facilities etc. These shouldn’t cause any concern for me as I am extremely adaptive and in fact very excited about the opportunity to enjoy fresh, cool air and behold the beautiful landscapes in Country Victoria.
The above are my answers for the questions. Thanks for your patience. Hope to see you soon.
Jingzhu
2.5+2.0+1.5+1.0+0.5
7.5=7.Nicole Wong
Female
MalaysianScience (Microbiology)
Year 1
Want to gain a new perspective on Australia
Shy girl - I thought it would be nice to have a mix
1. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
The main reason I want to participate is to take the opportunity to travel with other like-minded students. As an international student, I wish to see the sights and sounds of different cultures in Australia and this trip would be the best opportunity to do so as I get to chat with locals as well.
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
I am an easy-going, friendly and creative person. Though I may come across as quiet, I am outgoing and enthusiastic.
I hope to develop my interpersonal skills by communicating with others as I am shy by nature. I also hope to gain a new perspective on Australia in different settings as I have never been out of the city.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter?
I am shy by nature and find it hard making friends with strangers in a short time. I think I may find it hard to adjust to the rural setting as I was born and raised a city girl but I believe the time spent there would be rewarding and worth the "No Facebook" for a few days!
1.5+1.5+1.5+1.5+0.5
6.5=8. Wen Xin Lim
Female/Male??Malaysian
Commerce
Year 3
Wants to understand country Victoria, get new experience
1. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?
Among all the 60 unread notices on student portal, two words caught my attention. City-Country, which promises a visit or a chance to travel outside Melbourne City; and Exchange, which promises knowledge transfer, experience sharing and meeting new amazing people.
2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?
My personal experience. I was unsure about joining university due to the huge financial burden expected to pass onto my family (not to mention the recent strengthening of AUD), but I was persuaded. I refused to be restricted by future career options. Fortunately, I came to realise that tertiary education is the only way out.
I am comfortable speaking both in public and in front of a large crowd. I joined Toastmasters International at college and was awarded Competent Communicator. With this, I can help facilitate group conversations and Q&A sessions during the school visit.
Coming from a relaxed rural town in Malaysia, I moved to the every-busy capital (Kuala Lumpur) when I was 7. 10 years later, I came to Australia, a country dominated by Westerners. I traveled to Sweden on a semester-long exchange last year. This winter, I was in Vietnam with another 19 students from UMelb BCom, all selected to participate in the Global Consulting Project. I adapt fast to local environment and I blend in well.
I am a very outgoing girl, and I generally bring laughter to everywhere I go. I love traveling and I love meeting new people. If given a chance to participate, I hope to understand more about Loddon Shire and the "Australian" way in general.
3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context).
Even after being here in Melbourne for 3 years, as an international student, I believe that with my current knowledge and exposure of Australian life style, I will encounter a slight culture shock.
Attached is my resume for your reference. Thank you for finishing my application.